Chichester – West Sussex is a charming city in the heart of the South West of England, only a few miles from the coast. If you drive down or take the train, you will notice the green hills of the luscious countryside as you head towards the town itself.
Chichester is probably most famous for the Festival Theatre. It has attracted some of the top stars of the stage and its productions of Shakespeare have been critically acclaimed. This is also where the local students graduate from the nearby university.
Local bars have poetry readings from local students and writers alike and this is a wonderful cultural experience to be a part of. You can also see contemporary art from the students at the Otter Gallery, who run various events and exhibitions throughout the year. If you are a fan of jazz, they do regular performances at a local pub called the Fountain.
For fans of cinema, there is both a multiplex and an independent cinema. This is where you can attend the Chichester Film Festival, a recent development that is becoming increasingly popular with cinema-goers.
The District Museum is a great place to visit to learn more about this city, while the South Downs Planetarium shows off over 4000 stars under one roof. If you want to relax a bit more, you can take a pleasant boat trip on the local canal.
If you are looking for a good place to eat, then you are well served. You can enjoy a fine French dining experience in Comme Ca or enjoy the gentile English joy of afternoon tea at the St Martins Tea Room. Many places offer special theatre menus, so it is worth having a look to see what is on offer!
There is a wide variety of places to stay, from the home comforts of a good bed and breakfast to hotels and inns. Website listings will give you ratings and details so you can be sure to get the most appropriate place to stay.
Chichester is only an hour and half by train from London. It is also only six miles from Bognor on the West Sussex coast and a short train ride from the charming town of Midhurst as well as the marinas of Portsmouth and Southampton. It is a fine city that is well worth visiting.
